2027: ‘I’ll declare war on terrorists’ – Obi unveils agenda for Northern Nigeria

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has pledged to declare decisive action against terrorists if elected president in 2027, while also outlining plans to unlock Northern Nigeria’s economic potential through agriculture, education, and grassroots investment.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on Arise TV, where he addressed the country’s worsening insecurity and his strategy for rebuilding the North.

Speaking on terrorism, Obi said Nigeria must respond firmly to attacks by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, insisting that negotiation should not be the government’s primary response.

“No nation will lose about 10 of its senior officers without a response. I will declare war on the terrorists. There is nothing like negotiation,” he said.

The former governor explained that his security approach would combine immediate enforcement measures with long-term investments in governance, justice, and youth development to address the root causes of insecurity.

Obi also described Northern Nigeria as the country’s “greatest asset,” stressing that the region has the capacity to generate more revenue through agriculture than crude oil if properly developed.

“Our greatest asset as a country is in the North. We can make more money from agriculture than we make from oil,” he stated.

According to him, improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across the region would significantly reduce poverty and insecurity while boosting national productivity.

Obi further dismissed the suggestion that his political prospects in the North depend solely on endorsements from influential figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, though he expressed willingness to work with them in advancing national development.

“Nigeria is bigger than individuals,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled consulting former President Olusegun Obasanjo while implementing security measures that he said helped reduce major crimes in the state.

He added that restoring security across the North would remain central to achieving sustainable development if given the opportunity to lead the country in 2027.